Inaugural Southern Illinois Made Expo draws over 2,000 visitors

Josh Jean of Crab Orchard, right, gets a sample of Italian beef from John D. Stanley. The beef was made with spices from Stanley's Food System, a Harrisburg area business. That's John Stanley, his dad and business partner, and business associate Brent Housewright looking on.Holly Kee photo

Ryker Fricke, left, and his sister, Sadey, pose with "Woody" while doing crafts in the children's area at the Southern Illinois Made Expo at the Marion Pavilion on Sunday. Ben Fritts of Harrisburg said he enjoys playing the Toy Story character because "it's so much fun for the kids."Holly Kee photo

Even in the waning hours of the event on Sunday afternoon, visitors were still filing past the vendor booths.Holly Kee photo

Patty Howard, right, of Local Honey from the Howards of Marion, explains some her unique products to Marilyn Mitchener of Carbondale on Sunday afternoon at the Southern Illinois Made Expo.Holly Kee photo

Bob Romonosky, middle, sits in as Renae Edwards, left, and Cheri Romonosky, right, of Aisin explain to visitors what their company contributes to southern Illinois.Holly Kee photo

Virgil Lukens, right, of Herrin greets visitors to the Southern Illinois Made Expo on Sunday. Lukens, a Korean War veteran, was a guest on the last Honor Flight in April.Holly Kee photo

MARION -- Organizers of the Southern Illinois Made Expo held at the Marion Pavilion over the weekend never imagined that the inaugural event would be so successful.

"The buzz has been amazing," said state Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg), who partnered with regional chambers of commerce to host the event that showcased local businesses and products unique to southern Illinois.

More than 120 local exhibitors with products from baseball bats to barbecue sauce and even boats, filled the Pavilion. The event also raised money for Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois.

Jennifer Olson, president of the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce, stepped in to help organize the event after Marion's Chamber executive director, Dalus Ben Avi, left to take another position.

"There was so much put in up front," said Olson. "Then we thought we hope this is truly a case of if we build it they will come."

They came.

"It's been a huge turnout," said Fowler, estimating that well over 2,000 visitors came over the two days.

Olson agreed. "I always feel the life sign of a good expo is that people and vendors are still there near the end of the event," she said.

While crowds were waiting at the door when the event opened on Saturday morning, visitors were still coming in during the final hour on Sunday.

Besides showcasing locally-made products, Olson and her crew were hoping businesses would find each other. That happened for John Stanley, owner of Stanley Food Systems in Harrisburg.

"We picked up a good-sized popular restaurant in Marion, and have an opportunity to put our product in their restaurant," he said.

Stanley also started talking with a locally-based economic developer, interested in helping him build a wholesale warehouse and even buy trucks to allow him to start a distributorship.

Stanley said his business up to now has been "baby steps." Now, he says, "This will be a shot in the arm."

Fowler also estimated the event raised at least $10,000 for Veterans Honor Flight. People were asked to contribute $5 at the door, but there also was a silent auction, and exhibitor fees.

Kimberly Stevens, who volunteers with Honor Flight, said a lot of people gave more than $5.

Both Fowler and Olson pointed out one problem -- they need more space for vendors.